751G.00/9–2654: Telegram
The Consul at Hanoi (Cameron) to the Department of State
240. Repeated information Saigon 304, Paris 69. As take-over by Viet Minh approaches, Hanoi atmosphere has within past ten days begun to reflect accumulation of developments which began July 20. City’s population has dropped as refugees have streamed southward and many others have returned to villages to melt into obscurity. Few people are on streets after early evening hours. French officers still populate one remaining sidewalk cafe but in decreasing numbers. One of handful of French wives may occasionally be seen making last minute shopping tour for souvenirs. International Control Commission personnel are increasingly in evidence with Canadian and Indian uniforms sprinkled among French [garble] in town sections are groups of very obvious roles taking their evening constitutionals in loose military formation. It is a city of “hello” and “good-bye” as old guard takes leave and new teams arrive to continue the show.
French military control of city is gradually tightening although incidents of violence and disorder have been infrequent. Guards have been increased at various military establishments and Legionnaires are now patrolling during daylight hours.
Most good restaurants, bars, and shops are now closed. A few diehard enterprises are hanging on until last few days to gather in few more piasters. City’s only French newspaper has long ceased publication. Sharply reduced telephone services are being administered by French Army. Houses and offices are being stripped of furniture and boarded up. In contrast city’s three major hotels have been requisitioned for Control Commission and are bustling with activity.
Gasoline is in short supply and lines of vehicles waiting at pumps become longer each day. Food bills are inching upwards and quality items of beef and wine have disappeared from shops. Ho Chi Minh piasters are reported in circulation in some of outlying parts of city. Gialam airport appears virtual ghost camp as traffic gradually dries up. Route five, lifeline to Haiphong, is choked with convoys, busses and taxis picking their way over sixty miles of ruts, holes and flood waters as exodus reaches its final stages.
[Page 2075]In this city of change the one constant seems to be the ubiquitous cycles which continue to ply their trade on every corner and street. And along the [garble] of the recently receded Red River the squatters are rebuilding their homes and stoically awaiting the arrival of October 11.